Tucked away on the Llano Estacado, Sibley Nature Center has been a beacon for environmental education and appreciation since its founding. What began as a dream of two Midland teachers to introduce children to the region’s unique environment has evolved into a dynamic hub celebrating West Texas’s nature and history.
“Our origins are deeply rooted in the belief that understanding and appreciating our environment leads to conservation and stewardship,” said Paul Acosta, executive director. “Over the years, we’ve grown from a modest trail project into a comprehensive educational center engaging thousands of visitors annually.”
Sibley’s journey began in the early 1980s with a challenge grant from the Potts-Sibley Foundation and support from the Midland Soil and Water Conservation District. In 2005, the center became an independent 501(c)(3) organization, marking a new chapter in its mission to celebrate the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
The center hosts a variety of programs that resonate with Midland’s community. Its annual spring and fall festivals draw thousands, offering hands-on experiences focused on conservation and local wildlife.
“Our newest program, Girls-N-Science, has been transformative,” Acosta said. “It’s about sparking curiosity in young girls and introducing them to professionals in various scientific fields. It’s amazing to see their excitement as they interact with wildlife biologists and engineers.”
Partnerships with local schools and organizations amplify Sibley’s reach. Collaborations with ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips ensure that field trips are accessible to students across Midland and Ector counties. “By removing financial barriers, we’re able to welcome more kids and instill a love for learning about our environment,” Acosta said.
Sibley is also a steward of the region’s ecosystems. A current highlight is the Chevron-sponsored playa restoration project. “We aim to restore this vital habitat to its native Midgrass/Forb Community,” Acosta said. “This benefits wildlife and offers an invaluable learning tool for our visitors.”
The center’s newest exhibit, Pleistocene to Holocene — Surviving the Ice Age, opened in 2023 and has already attracted significant attention. “With over 18,000 visitors so far, it’s a testament to the public’s interest in understanding our shared past,” Acosta said. The exhibit, featuring artifacts and replicas of extinct and modern species, connects prehistoric life to today’s West Texas environment.
Looking ahead, Sibley plans to expand its programs and facilities while addressing challenges like raising local awareness and shifting perceptions of West Texas’s natural beauty. “Midlanders are often surprised by what we offer,” Acosta said. “We want to ensure that everyone feels connected to this incredible environment.”
Through its trails, exhibits, and educational outreach, Sibley Nature Center remains a vital resource for fostering a deeper appreciation of the natural landscapes that define Midland. “Our mission is simple yet profound: to connect people to nature and history in meaningful ways,” Acosta said.